FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2011

 

 

 

Toronto: The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a workshop to help Ontario businesses comply with Ontario’s new customer service standard.

“Breaking down barriers for people with disabilities, begins by breaking down barriers for organizations that want to better serve them,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Compliance requires knowledge and access to the right tools. The OCC and our chamber network are determined to help businesses throughout Ontario get both so that they can better serve the growing population of people with all types of disabilities.”

Accessibility Works is a partnership between the OCC and local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in Ontario and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario to help businesses comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (customer service standard). The customer service standard is one of five that will form part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

The workshop on the customer service standard will provide the necessary information and make it easier for business owners, their staff, volunteers and contractors to meet the training and other requirements under the new standard. The session will be held at Royal Canadian Legion Brach 72, 202 Pembroke Street East on March 23, 2011 at 11:45 am. Cost for the workshop is $15/person and includes a hot lunch. Call the Chamber office to register at 613-732-1492.

“The workshop will help our members become more aware of and comply with the customer service standard, in order to make their services even more accessible to all of their customers,” says Gary Melnyk, Chamber President.

The customer service standard applies to all people, businesses and organizations that provide goods or services either directly to the public or to other businesses or organizations and have one or more employees. All organizations must be in compliance by January 1, 2012.